for those with kids dealing with reoccuring strep how have u dealt with it? any info for me?
My 8 year old had strep 7 times last year. We finally ended up getting her tonsils removed in July. So far so good :)
People who are very prone to strep can often reduce the frequency and severity by having their tonsils removed. Surgery is not the first try option though.
Strep throat is a communicable illness. If she's exposed to it she'll get it. If she's not exposed to it and gets a sore throat then it's likely not strep but just a regular sore throat.
It's just one of those things that we get from others. Nothing will keep her from getting it. It's a horrible pain, I do feel bad for those who get it. I haven't had strep in a lot of years. The kids will often sneak a drink out of my cup when I'm not watching it closely. I have been fortunate to not get strep in a few years though. They just haven't been exposed to anyone who has it.
My kiddo was in the hospital a few years ago with it. The doc had her tested for Mono because he just couldn't believe that strep could be that severe. She was in the hospital for over a week. Her throat was nearly swelled shut. She couldn't even swallow saliva. She got to hold a Mr. Thirsty the first few days.
Strep is one of those illnesses that we "can" limit exposure too with washing hands, not drinking after anyone, not touching something then touching ourselves without washing, etc...but it's still there and we can still get it.
Every sore throat isn't strep though. The doc is the only one that can diagnose strep, they must do a strep swab and send it off to the lab to see if it grows.
My oldest daughter had it every month when she was younger. Idk why the doctor never had a tonsillectomy done because she would also have reoccurring ear infections. Knowing now what I did not know then I would suggest that to your pediatrician or take them to a ENT. Best of luck I know its no fun.
My 7 year old was averaging once a month with strep, my 13 year old is only getting about 3-4 times a year but, the last two times she ended up in the hospital with IV steroids because her tonsils swell so bad that her throat closes. We are dealing with it by having their tonsils removed on 12/27/2013. I'm nervous because they will be put to sleep and even though it's minor, it's still surgery. I think it will be worth it and it's at Childrens Hospital, I think they are the best. Luckily, we were able to have it scheduled for them both at the same time. Also, it's during their winter break from school and I was able to take a vacation week from work to take care of them afterwards.
After years of repeated infections, we finally had tonsils and adenoids out.
And even then, she got it again. :(
Do you have cats? Strange question, but cats can carry and pass on strep. Have others in your house been tested? Some people can be carriers. They can pass on the virus, but they don't get strep.
Long ago, when I had a repeat strep infection, I asked my doctor about replacing my toothbrush as a possible re-contamination point, I was wondering WHEN to replace it... after all the antibiotics, or when..
He just said to disinfect it thoroughly... dunk it in some of the original Listerine!
That would be a good thing to do periodically to everyone's toothbrushes.....
Do you have pets?
If you do, then have the vet check them out.
It's possible the pets and kids cross contaminate each other.
They all have to be treated at the same time so they stop catching it from each other.
Have the kids had their tonsils out?
Sometimes the tonsils become the source of recurrent infections.
Follow your doctor's instructions. Throw out toothbrushes. Gargle warm salt water to freshen the mouth and clean out the pus from the back of the throat. Clean all dishes, cups, etc afterwards and don't share.
Replace the toothbrushes.
No drinking from public fountains.
No sharing cups.
No cups in the bathrooms.
If your child plays an instrument, clean it and disinfect the mouthpiece.
As a child I would get strep at least 4 times a year. I finally out grew it in my 20's.
Often one dose of medication is not enough. After the first round, the child should be retested.
Some doctors believe that have the tonsils removed will help the problem. However, studies show that this doesn't always solve the problem.
Just like with colds and flu, you can follow the same precautions - wash hands frequently, don't share drinking/eating utensils, etc. Be sure to give her a new toothbrush often, or put toothbrushes thru the dishwasher, the hot temp kills many germs.
